Some advice please???

[Sinbad311]

Hello, My name is Simon and I'm from Dublin in Ireland. I have just bought a 7 month old Jandaya Conure and I will be bringing him/her home next week. He is approx 7 months old, hand reared and has been living with a family with lots of children(basically a busy household). The owner is also giving me a large cage with perches and feeders etc.
Before I made my decision on which breed of parrot I wanted, I read numerous articles and talked to lots of people about the behaviour of this beautiful breed of parrot. I completely understand the commitment involved and I am looking foward to giving this parrot the love and attention it needs or should I say demands .
As I said I am really looking foward to bringing him/her home but now have some worries.... Perhaps this is normal as it will be my first pet parrot. So I am posting thread for some advice and hopefully some reassurance from some of you more experienced parrot owners!!
So here are some of my worries:
1. I have to drive home with the my parrot (approx 1hr drive), how will I transport him? When I asked the owner he said I wont need anything.

2. How will he/she behave in their new home for the first couple of days. Will he/she be screaming until he/she become used to me? The owner said he/she is very friendly and sociable so this wont be a problem

3. How long before I can try to handle him/her? On one website it said give it a week, but I think that is too long as these birds love and crave attention and cuddles etc.

4. Should I let him/her get used to me first before I introduce to the rest of my family?


Well these are my main concerns at the moment. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Simon

[poohbear]

Hiya....Transport your parrot in a secure box with ventilation holes pick a strong one as they tend to try and escape by ripping at the holes.The last thing you want when driving is having a bird half way out of its carry box...very dangerous.
When you get home put your bird somewhere quiet preferably in a corner where people don't pass too close until it feels secure.
Give it plenty of food preferably the same as it has been used to.Sit close to the cage and spend time talking to it so it gets used to you.Don't stand and tower over it get down to the same height.
Try offering a treat through the bars this will give you a clue how tame it really is.
Get the bird used to you before introducing other members of the family.
One of my conures was silly tame from the word go and sat on my hand from day one.My other Robbie attacked my hand and face and drew blood for months, unheard of with his previous owner.I've had him a year and only now can I trust him near my face.Patience...patience...patience.You'll get there in the end.Jandays can be noisy sometimes, something you'll have to get used to.
Never had one before??? KEEP THOSE WINDOWS AND DOORS SHUT...New owners are prone to losing birds because they're not used to getting into the habit.
Good luck....Paul.





Robbie.

[Ashling]

Make sure you certainly DO have something to carry him home in. His previous owners probably take him for car rides and he'd be used to going in the car, but since you're a first time owner definately take along a crate of some kind- towel at the bottom for grip and plenty of holes as poohbear suggested. Allow the bird time to explore his new cage and accept it as his primary home and food source before you let him out (especially if he is flighted). I was handling my baby from day one with no problems you should really give it around two days for you to get used to each other- depends on the bird- whatever makes him comfortable. The best place for a cage is in a corner or at least with one side to a wall. My bird has half curtain, half window which suits her. Make sure not to place the cage near a doorway where people rushing through can frighten him! As poohbear said, you will need to get the same food he has been used to eating, and if you want, wean him onto your preferred food by slowly increasing the amount of new food over a period of days/ weeks. Give the birdie time till he's introduced to the family and try to keep the place quiet for the first few days.
OH and certainly don't forget to give your birdie LOTS of new and exciting toys and treats for the first few days so he thinks he's in heaven! Hope the transition goes well...
Sounds like you've got yourself a great new baby! If he's used to children it should go very well. Congratulations and good luck! :D

[Sinbad311]

Thanks for your replies.. They were both very helpful. In regards to bringing him home, you mention a crate or box..Does this have to be from a petshop, or will a cardboard box do?

[Ashling]

A cardboard box is what I used for my lorikeet, but they aren't big chewers- well at least mine isn't. As yours is a conure I'd use a small crate of some kind. I can't help much with that- I've only ever used cardboard boxes. A conure could probably chew through a cardboard box though and you don't want that! Whatever you use, as long as it's well ventilated and easily gripped at the bottom so the bird doesn't slip about, it should be fine.

[Sinbad311]

Thanks Aishling your a star!!
As far as I know the owner named the parrot 'PollY' original I know lol. Would there be issues with giving him a new name?
Also what times should he be feed and what quantity should he be given. I'm sure the wonder will tell me all this when I pick him up, but I'd just like to have an idea myself. And last but not least, what time should I put him to bed at? As his cage will be in living room all of the time, this is where he will sleep. We normally go to bed around 11 and get up around 8. Would this be enough sleep for the little fella??


Thanks

[poohbear]

Ireland this time of year will be dark around 7.30/8.00 cover the cage (gently) around this time...give the bird a good nights rest at first.Feed in the mornings with fresh water.The usual feeders will contain plenty for the day when filled.
See how you go, you will quickly learn how tame your bird is.
It's more common sense than anything...no loud noises or sudden movements
until the bird gets to know you.
Paul.